Chapter 196: The Three Warlords

As Adrian's monster subordinates followed his command and leaped into the dark hole, a faint, dark purple glow briefly illuminated the depths, casting eerie shadows on the ancient stone walls.

The glow subsided, and the chamber fell into an uneasy silence. Moments later, the oppressive heat of the advancing flames announced the arrival of the fire warlord's forces. Several fire-type summons, their bodies ablaze with intense heat, led the way. They moved with purpose, clearing a path through the smoldering remnants of Adrian's forces.

A woman clad in a beautiful red attire stepped forward, her presence commanding and fierce. Her gaze swept across the chamber, narrowing as she focused on the dark hole. "Where did they go?" she muttered to herself, her voice carrying a mix of curiosity and frustration.

Determined to uncover the mystery, she raised her hand, summoning a fireball. The blazing orb of flame hovered above her palm, its heat distorting the air around it. With a swift motion, she hurled the fireball into the hole, expecting it to illuminate the depths or perhaps reveal a hidden passage.

However, as the fireball descended, it met an unexpected barrier. Three meters into the hole, the flames abruptly dissipated, the fireball vanishing into thin air as if it had been snuffed out. The fire warlord's eyes widened in surprise. She stepped closer to the edge, peering into the darkness below.

"Hmph, a teleportation trap, is it?" she mused aloud, a slight smirk forming on her lips. "Interesting. But where could it have taken them?" Her curiosity piqued, she turned to her fire-type summons. "One of you, jump into the hole."

The fire lizard nearest to her obeyed, scurrying towards the hole and leaping in. However, instead of disappearing like Adrian's forces, it simply fell to the floor of the hole, landing with a dull thud. It lay there, motionless, its flames flickering weakly before extinguishing completely.

The fire warlord's smile faded into a contemplative frown. "Hmm... Did it become inactive?" she muttered, her gaze shifting to the other side of the chamber. Her mind raced with the possibilities, her thoughts returning to the treacherous Eldrin. "That tree told me he was searching for a treasure here, but it is likely the relic... Then, I should hurry and find it before he does."

She turned to her remaining fire-type summons, their forms radiating heat and light in the dim chamber. "Spread out and search the area," she commanded. "We must find the relic before the Shadowbinder Warlord and his forces can regroup. If the tree was right, it should be somewhere at the center of the temple..."

With that, she turned her focus back to the task at hand, determined to uncover the temple's mysteries and secure the relic for herself. The game would end soon, and she needed to hurry.

_____ ___ _

At the center of the stimulated land.

In a grand mansion, two people could be seen talking with each other. One was a handsome young man with grey hair, clad in noble clothes. The other, a beautiful young woman, was speaking, her eyes filled with admiration and adoration as she looked at the young man.

"Ron, you don't need to worry about the conquest," she said, her voice soft and assuring. "My subordinates have already conquered ten locations, and we are ready to raid the Howling Caverns. Everything is under control."

Rowan, whose avatar was Ron, the Warlord of Charm, smiled gently at her. His presence was magnetic, his aura radiating confidence and grace. "You are doing wonderfully," he said, his voice smooth and reassuring. "But are you certain you can handle the Howling Caverns? It's a dangerous place."

The young woman, the town's lord who had fallen in love with Rowan at first sight, shook her head dismissively. "I have the best warriors at my command. They are more than capable of handling any danger. All I need is for you to be with me, and everything will be perfect."

Rowan's smile widened slightly, his charm effortlessly soothing her concerns. "Very well," he said, taking her hand and pressing a kiss to her knuckles. "I will stay by your side. Together, we will conquer the Howling Caverns and secure victory."

Her cheeks flushed with delight, the young woman nodded eagerly. "Yes, with you by my side, nothing can go wrong."

Unbeknownst to her, Rowan's thoughts were already strategizing their next move. His charm and influence over her had ensured her unwavering loyalty, making her an invaluable asset in this game for him. With her resources and forces at his disposal, he was confident he would emerge victorious. He didn't need to do anything but stay with her, that's all.

His only worry was others getting a relic before him, but it was highly unlikely since this young lady's spies told them two warlords would be fighting at a cursed temple ruin with no return. While the other contestants were still conquering locations.

'Yeah, I just need to relax and enjoy till the time ends...'

_____ ___ _

On the opposite side of Adrian's first location, near the Howling Caverns, one of the relics' locations.

A stunning young woman with short blue hair clad in white armor stood resolute, her gaze fixed on the imposing entrance of the Howling Caverns. This was Ceil her avatar as Seraphina, the Warlord of Light. Behind her, several templar knights and healers stood ready, their armor gleaming and their expressions determined.

Ceil had been fortunate in her journey, having encountered and gained allies through her unique light-related abilities. Her presence brought hope and strength to those around her, and her new allies quickly pledged their loyalty.

The small temple near the caverns had been their gathering point, a place where they could regroup and plan their next move. Now, with the Howling Caverns in their sights, they were ready to raid and secure the treasure rumored to be hidden within.

Ceil turned to her knights and healers, her expression firm and commanding. "We are here to claim the treasure and bring light to this dark place," she said, her voice clear and inspiring. "Stay together, watch each other's backs, and trust in our strength. We will prevail." S~eaʀᴄh the NôvelFire.nёt website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

The knights and healers nodded in unison, their confidence bolstered by her words. They moved forward, their steps synchronized and their resolve unwavering.

With her light shining brightly, she led her allies forward, ready to conquer this place and secure her place in the finals.